Long before there was a Grinch who stole Christmas, there was Krampus, the devilish half-man, half-goat that helps out jolly St. Nicholas by stuffing naughty Austrian children in sacks and dragging them to hell. Yes, the true history of Christmas is as colorful as your neighbor’s flashing and strobing house light display.
The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey around 280 AD. St. Nicholas gave away all his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick and became known as the protector of children and sailors.
St. Nicholas first entered American popular culture in the late 18th century in New York when Dutch families gathered to honor the anniversary of the death of “Sint Nikolaas” (Dutch for Saint Nicholas), or “Sinter Klaas” for short. “Santa Claus” draws his name from this abbreviation.
In 1822, Episcopal minister Clement Clarke Moore wrote a Christmas poem called An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas, more popularly known today by its first line: ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas. The poem depicted Santa Claus as a jolly man who flies from home to home on a sled driven by reindeer to deliver toys.
The iconic version of Santa Claus as a jolly man in red with a white beard and a sack of toys was immortalized in 1881 when political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew on Moore’s poem to create the image of Old Saint Nick that we know today.
Related Article: When You Are in Need of a Christmas Miracle
Oh, so sorry to break the harsh news, but Santa isn’t real. Yep, he’s just a sales pitch for Big Soda.
Don’t take it from us—that’s what a Catholic bishop in Sicily told a dismayed group of children earlier this month, per the New York Times. In fact, “The red color of his coat was chosen by Coca-Cola for advertising purposes,” Bishop Antonio Staglianò said.
Just wait until they find out the Grinch is sponsored by Mountain Dew.
HO-HO-HO MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas fellow RVers, campers, wanna-be’s, snowbirds and Winter Texans, winter campers, birders, photographers, hikers, and everyone who loves the great out-of-doors…and all readers!
Thanks to the madness of 2021, Thanksgiving came and went with a whimper this year. It’s a bummer, for sure, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t still take part in outdoor activities.
It was said that 2020 was not a typical year. No surprise there! RVers knew so firsthand. Canadians had to cancel their annual U.S. migrations, thwarted by border closures. Folks who normally spend t-shirt time with friends at RV resorts and rallies in the South had to reschedule thanks to cancellations and other safety measures.
With wide-scale vaccinations, we looked forward to a brighter, more social 2021. But little has changed in the past 22 months. The volatile, uncertain, and complex times continue with no sign of abatement. The border finally opened in November but with ever-changing conditions and requirements.
Related Article: Christmas Music Inspires and Brings Cheer during the Pandemic
RVing continues to be a safe means of travel where self-contained environments ensure security and flexibility.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of 2020, followed by the subsequent quarantines and travel restrictions, has made many Americans more reluctant to hop on a crowded airplane for a cross-country flight. This health-related hesitancy is likely to remain for some time to come. RV travel allows vacationers to control every aspect of their environment at every step of the journey.
Social distancing is a cinch with RV travel. With thousands of RV parks, campground sites to choose from, you can easily select the level of social interaction you are comfortable with on any given day.
But despite the 2020s and 2021’s impact on traveling, socializing, dining, and more, we still can make the best of the situation. Folks whose RVs are nestled all snug can embrace the world outside their door and view the environment they choose to call home. Inside our RVs, we can start a new hobby, catch up on our reading, or reconnect with other household members. And plan a future road trip!
As usual, my regular postings will continue daily throughout this holiday season and into the New Year.
Related Article: Christmas Gift Ideas 2021
May you all have a heartfelt and happy Christmas!
May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!
Forget sugar plums.
When you drift off to sleep tonight,
I’ll be dreaming of fabulous RV destinations I’d love to visit, Acadia, Mount Rainier, Yosemite, and Yellowstone national parks.
Sweet dreams and happy holidays!
Snowbird Christmas
Cranky as an RV space heater,
I groan and grumble in the pre-dawn chill,
Wait for the coffee pot to finish playing
Reveille to my numb mind.
Shuffling around the RV Park,
Snowbirds and Winter Texans make mischief,
Cackling like contented chickens under the hot Texas sun.
A grateful respite from grueling gray cold fronts of International Falls, Winnipeg, and Green Bay
Amid chants of Go Packers Go!
A time of celebration and decorations
Christmas lights, ornaments, nativity scenes, Wal-Mart Santas, and reindeer.
A plastic Jesus or two adorn motorhomes, fifth-wheel trailers, and old converted buses.
Christmas Eve, wrinkled faces gather in the clubhouse by the artificial tree
Reminiscing of Christmases past during simpler times
Speaking of children in childish voices.
Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to all!
Related Article: Fruitcake: National Joke or Tasty Christmas Tradition
Whatever seasonal celebrations you take part in—and for the unexpected downtime you may have—we wish you joy and happiness. We’ll be right alongside you in January as we usher in a brand-new year!
Sing it with us: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”
Worth Pondering…
May the joy of today, bring forth happiness for tomorrow—and may the cold Alberta air stay up north!